An example of an abiotic factor is sunlight. Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the living organisms within it. Sunlight is crucial as it provides the energy necessary for photosynthesis in plants, forming the basis of most food chains. Other abiotic factors include temperature, water availability, soil composition, and atmospheric gases. Understanding these factors is essential for studying ecosystems as they impact the distribution, behavior, and survival of various organisms.